Ave Maria: SSAA Choral Octavo

Name: Ave Maria: SSAA Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-43604
Price: 1.90 USD
Availability: InStock

By Sally K. Albrecht

Item: 00-43604

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A plaintive opening expands into lush four-part harmony in this compelling a cappella concert selection. Meditative and earnest, Sally's glorious setting of the prayerful text will inspire your finest singers.

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081491448

SKU: 00-43604

More about this title

About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Sally K. Albrecht has shaped American choral music for over three decades, both as a prolific composer and as a defining voice in choral publishing. Her catalog exceeds 600 choral works and 75 larger musicals and songbooks, earning her annual ASCAP Special Music Awards since 1987. She served as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at Alfred Music and has conducted honor choirs at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center.

Educated at Rollins College (B.A. in Music and Theater, 1976) and the University of Miami (M.A. in Drama, 1977; M.M. in Accompanying, 1979), Albrecht has taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. In recent years, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from both the University of Miami Frost School of Music and Rollins College, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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Why we love this

Albrecht's gift for building harmonic richness from restrained beginnings makes this setting feel both accessible and sophisticated. The text unfolds naturally within the four-part writing, allowing you to shape dynamics and blend without fighting against the score. It's the kind of piece that sounds effortless when prepared well and leaves the audience genuinely moved.

What to expect

The piece opens quietly and contemplatively, with each voice entering as though in private prayer. As the harmony deepens and voices blend together, the setting builds into a lush, radiant texture that feels both prayerful and affirming. The earnestness never tips into sentimentality; instead, it maintains a focused, reverent quality throughout.

Who it's for

This octavo suits treble choirs, women's choirs, and mixed ensembles with strong upper voices. The a cappella format works beautifully for experienced singers comfortable with intonation independence, though it remains accessible for dedicated high school and college programs.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the opening plaintive section with restraint; let the sparse texture draw listeners in before the harmony expands.
Balance the four voices carefully as they enter, ensuring no single part drowns out the emerging lyricism.
Use the text's natural phrasing to guide breath placement and avoid chopped phrasing that breaks the meditative quality.
Layer dynamic growth gradually throughout the piece; the climax should feel earned, not sudden.

How to use it

Program this as a standout in a sacred or concert program, pairing it with contrasting secular pieces or using it to open a set with meditative intent. Its eight-page length and spiritual character make it ideal for spring concerts, religious observances, or festivals where a moment of genuine reflection strengthens the overall arc.